Foundations of nutrition questions Flashcards
Define food
Any nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink or that plants absorb in order to maintain life
What are whole foods?
Foods that have not been processed or refined, and are free from additives or other artificial substances
What is the purpose of foods?
To feed and nourish cells and maintain bodily functions cells
What is food composed of?
A variety of vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, fibre, fats, phytochemicals, prebiotic, probiotics, enzymes and water
What does naturopathic nutrition focus on?
Use of whole and organic food as medicine
The importance of detoxification and cleansing
Looking at the Constitution of the patient
Finding the cause of disease and not just treating a symptom
Define junk food
Junk food is chemically altered food substances that provide no nutrients and are not able to maintain health and growth
What are some of the constituents of junk food?
Highly processed
Generally contains GM ingredients, artificial colourings, sweeteners, pesticides and other chemical additives
High in calories, sugar, salt, refined carbohydrates and trans fats
Low in fibre and nutrients
Designed to make one over eat due to the chemicals they contain which increase a desire to eat
Often much cheaper
How is junk food unhealthy?
It’s a cellular poison
Hinders the electrical flow between cells
Doesn’t nourish cells tissues
Robs the body of essential nutrients
Destroys cells and impairs body functions
Reduces life expectancy and performance (athletic, cognitive, sexual)
Absorb energy from the body
Accelerates ageing
Addictive - leads to over eating, malnutrition, disease, early death
What are some of the diseases that junk food is associated with?
Atopic conditions e.g. asthma eczema
Hormonal disturbances such as Type II diabetes, PCOS, PMS, infertility, menopause
Skeletal disorders - osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis
Cardiovascular disease - atherosclerosis (creating endothelial damage) - strokes, angina, etc.
Neurological issues - migraines, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s
Contribution to cancer pathogenesis (carcinogenicity)
What are natural food sources?
Animals - e.g. meat, poultry, game, fish, seafood and animal byproducts (eggs and dairy)
Plants - e.g. vegetables, fruit, culinary herbs and spices, grains, seeds (sprouts), nuts, legumes
What food should you avoid?
Processing package foods
Ready meals
Junk foods
Sweets
Juices and fizzy drinks
What is the difference between grain fed meat and grass fed meat?
Grain fed meat has a high omega 6 (inflammatory) to Omega3 (anti-inflammatory) ratio - 20:1.
It is high in inflammatory fatty acid - arachidonic acid
Grass fed and wild meat has a ratio of Omega 6 to 3 of 2:1. It is 10 times less inflammatory
It has higher conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which regulates heart health, bodyweight and blood sugar levels
What is the difference between organic and non-organic meat?
Organic has higher vitamin, mineral and amino acid profile (including beta-carotene and vitamin E). It has higher animal welfare standards.
Non-organic may contain chemicals and xenoestrogens
What are red meats?
Pork
Beef
Lamb
What are the benefits of red meat?
Complete protein (contains all nine essential amino acids)
Polyunsaturated fats
Iron
Zinc
B vitamins
Phosphorus
Selenium
What are the negatives of red meat?
High cholesterol and saturated fats
No fibre
High animal protein intake requires more energy to be digested, placing more burden on the digestive system whilst the high formation of protein metabolite stresses the kidneys
Pro inflammatory - heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, asthma, osteoporosis, obesity, Alzheimer’s, impotence
Acid forming (due to high sulphur content = sulphuric acid)
What is poultry?
Chicken
Turkey
Goose
Duck
Pheasant
Cartridge
Pigeon
Poussin
Ostrich
Emu
What are the benefits of poultry?
Complete protein
Vitamin B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 12, E
Zinc, Iron, magnesium
Less saturated fat (but also less B12 than red meat)
What are the negatives of poultry?
Food poisoning risk (especially campolybacter and salmonella)
Often intensely farmed, poor welfare standards
- always opt for organic, pasture reared, heritage breeds or wild poultry products
What are the benefits of eggs?
A complete protein (more than half the protein is found in white)
Vitamin A, D, B6, B12
Selenium, Zinc, Iron and copper
Choline
Brain health (essential nutrients including choline)
Immune system (vitamin A, B12, selenium)
Pregnancy health (folate and choline for embryo development)
Eye health (vitamin A and antioxidants)
Cardiovascular health (generally raise HDL cholesterol, choline helps to break down the amino acid homocysteine
What are the negatives of eggs?
High in arachidonic acid - pro inflammatory
What is choline?
A vitamin like substance, also produced in small amounts by the body
Name some fish
Cod
Tuna
Seabass
Mackeral
Sardine
Trout
Salmon
Herring
Benefits of fish
Complete protein
Omega 3
Vitamin D, B2
Calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, potassium
What is the acronym for oily fish?
SMASH
Sardines
Mackeral
Anchovies
Salmon
Herring
What are the health benefits regarding oily fish?
High omega 3, Vitamin D
Lower in Mercury (due to small size)
- sardines are highest in omega 3
What are the negatives of fish?
Mercury
PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls)
Dioxins
Are all present in long living, predatory fish such as tuna, shark, swordfish
Overfishing - severely reduced fish numbers in oceans and rivers
What are the nutrients in Cod?
Vitamin B3, B12
Phosphorus, selenium
What are the nutrients Tuna?
Vitamin D
Selenium
Omega 3
What are the nutrients in seabass?
Vitamin B1, B2, A, C
Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron
What are the nutrients in Mackeral?
Vitamin D, B3, B12
Phosphorous, selenium
Omega 3
What are the nutrients in Trout?
Vitamin D, B12
potassium
Selenium
What are the nutrients in Salmon?
Vitamin D, B3, B12
Selenium
Phosphorus
Omega-3
Wild fish vs. canned fish?
Always opt for wild-caught fish (not farmed), and avoid canned fish which compromises the nutritional content (esp. vitamin C)
Farmed fish are raised in overcrowded cages and tanks in contaminated water. They:
Contain dyes and toxic chemicals (PCBs, dioxins, faecal waste, mercury, pesticides, antibiotics, fungicides)
Lower omega-3 content
Are vaccinated and de-sexed
Have more disease and deformities
Fish farming is cruel and harmful for environments and ecosystems
Name some crustaceans
Lobsters
crabs
shrimps
prawns
Name some shellfish
Mussels
Clams
Oysters
Scallops
Benefits of crustaceans and shellfish
Complete protein
Omega 3
Vitamin B12
Zinc (esp. oysters), iron, magnesium
Negatives of crustaceans and shellfish
High in cholesterol
Food poisoning is common
Prawns are intensely farmed in asia
Waste feeders - accumulate toxins (inc. mercury)
* avoid unless from clean water sources
What are the energetics of red meat?
Warm
Hot (if fried, processed, grilled)
What are the energetics of Poultry?
warm
White meat more neutral, dark meat more warm
What are the energetics of crustaceans?
Warm
What are the energetics of eggs?
neutral
What are the energetics of Fish?
Cool (e.g. white fish)
Neutral (meaty fish, e.g. tuna)
Moist
What are the energetics of Shellfish?
Cool, moist
What are the energetics of Dairy produce?
Cool, damp forming
What foods are included in plant-based foods?
Vegetables, fruits, culinary herbs, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds
What is higher in plant-based foods from organic farming methods?
They yield a higher amount of phytonutrients vs. non-organic
Beans, legumes, Green peas, quinoa, nuts and seeds have higher amount of essential amino acids.
Can you get all the proteins you need from a plant-based diet?
If you combine a variety of plant-based proteins, you can achieve all nine amino acids e.g. combining beans with grains
Benefits of plant-based foods
Rich and varied source of minerals, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, phytonutrients and antioxidants
Supports a healthy Microbiome (pre and probiotic foods) by encouraging diverse bacterial species.
Bacterial digestions of plant fibres produce short chain fatty acids which support intestinal barrier
Positive impact on cognitive functions of neurological health
Reduce risk of heart disease, cancer and obesity
Ethical and environmentally friendly, if organic
Define the plant compound Beta-Carotene
An orange pigment abundant in plants and fruit that is, and functions as, an antioxidant and a precursor to vitamin A formation in the body
Define the plant compound Flavanoids
A diverse group of phytonutrients (plant chemicals) found in almost all fruits and vegetables. They are also responsible for the vivid colours.
Define the plant compound Lutein
Lutein is a type of carotenoid antioxidant that is particularly supporting for eye (retinal) and skin health. It is abundant in green leafy vegetables
Define the plant compound Quercetin
A plant pigment (flavonoid) found mostly in the red coloured fruit and vegetables. It has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties
Define the plant compound Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C)
Indole-3-carbinol is found in cruciferous vegetables (e.g. broccoli, cauliflower, etc) and help support healthy oestrogen metabolism
Define the plant compound Glucosinolates
Sulphur containing compounds found in cruciferous vegetables
Define the plant compound lycopene
A pigment which give some vegetables and fruit their red colour. It is an antioxidant abundant in tomatoes; also has anti-cancer properties
Define the plant compound Anthocyanins
A type of flavonoid with antioxidant properties which gives red, purple and blue plants there rich colouring (e.g. blueberry, cherry, red grapes)
Define the plant compound Mucilage
A thick polysaccharide substance extracted from plants
Name some root vegetables
Celeriac
Beetroot
Carrot
Parsnip
Sweet potato
Potato
Yam
What are the benefits of root vegetables?
High levels of antioxidants
Vitamin A, B, C
Iron
Sources of energy (similar level of carbohydrate to grains)
Where are most of the nutrients often contained in root vegetables
The skin
what is special about beetroot?
It can improve blood circulation and exercise performance by increasing levels of nitric oxide (vasodilator)
what are the energetics of root vegetables?
Gently warming
Nourishing, sweet and easy to digest
(Sweet vegetables are highly nutritious)
what constitution / condition of people will root vegetables help?
Those who are energetically cold, tired and depleted
What condition are orange root vegetables particularly good for in TCM?
Strengthening digestion - they are good for spleen Qi energy this
Why is beetroot good for blood building?
It’s rich in non-haem iron, vitamin C and folate
Why is it good to seasonally eat root vegetables?
Many are harvested and and late summer and autumn, they are ideal for bringing warmth and replenishing energy reserves in preparation for the winter ahead
What nutrients are in potatoes?
Vitamin B2, 3, 5, 6, folate, C
Iron, magnesium, potassium
Beta-carotene, Lutein, Quercetin
what are the health uses of potatoes?
Digestive health (high fibre supports bowel movements and microflora)
Cardiovascular health (vasodilation = anti-hypertensive)
what are the nutrients in Sweet potatoes?
Vitamin A, B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, C
Calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium
Beta-carotene
what are the health uses of sweet potatoes?
Blood sugar regulation (high fibre)
Vision, Skin integrity and Immunity (Vit A)
Brain health (antioxidants)
what are the nutrients in carrots?
Vitamin A, B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, Folate, E, C, K
Calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium
Beta-carotene, lutein
what are the Health uses of carrots?
Vision
Male and female reproductive health
Immune cell regulation and skin and mucus barriers (Vit A)
Cardiovascular health (antioxidants)
what are the nutrients in parsnips?
Vitamin B2, 3, 5, 6, Folate, C, E
Iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium
Beta-carotene, lutein
What are the Health uses of parsnips?
Digestive health (high-fibre)
Eye (retinal) Health
Bone and cartilage health (manganese is needed as cofactor) Nourish the heart (magnesium, potassium)
what are the nutrients in beetroot?
Vitamin A, B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, Folate, C, E, K
Iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium
Beta-carotene, lutein, betaalain pigments (antioxidants)
what are the health uses of beetroot?
Contains nitrates, which are converted by the oral and Bacteria to nitric oxide (NO), which is a vasodilator that improves blood flow - good for exercise performance, cognition, dementia prevention and BP reduction
what are the nutrients in celeriac?
Vitamin B6, C, K
Calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium
Lutein
what are the health uses of celeriac?
Digestive health (high-fibre)
Bone health (vitamin K, which increases calcium deposition in bone)
Name some cruciferous vegetables
Kale
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Cabbage
Brussels sprouts
Rocket
Bak choy
Radish
Turnips
Mustard greens
which plants parts are used as foods?
Roots (swede, turnip, horseradish)
Stems (kohlrabi (German turnip), radish)
Leaves (cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts)
Flowers (cauliflower, broccoli, romanesco)
Seeds (mustard seeds, rape seed (canola pressed oil))
what is the other word used for plant family cruciferous?
Brassicas
What are the benefits of cruciferous vegetables?
Rich in vitamins (Bs, C, E, K)
Calcium, iron, potassium
Fibre
Flavanoids, Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C)
Sulphur compounds called Glucosinolates
what are the benefits of glucosinolates?
Anti-inflammatory (antioxidants)
Support liver detoxification
Support hormone deactivation e.g. oestrogen metabolism using I3C
Cancer prevention (DNA protection and repair)
Anti-viral/bacterial, anti-catarrhal (thin respiratory mucus)
why should you eat cruciferous vegetables seasonally?
Many cruciferous vegetables are in season during autumn and winter -ideal for respiratory congestion
What nutrients are in cauliflower?
Vitamin B1, 2, 3, 6, Folate, C, K
Copper, iron, mangenese
Beta-carotene, Lutein, Glucosinolates
what are the health uses of cauliflower?
Cancer prevention (DNA protective, hormone deactivation, e.g. oestrogen, can induce apoptosis and inhibit angiogenesis)
Respiratory health (lung shape)
Liver detoxification support
What nutrients are in Broccoli?
Vitamin A, B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, Folate, C, E, K
Calcium, iron, manganese, potassium, selenium, zinc
Beta-carotene, Glucosinolates
* Anthocyanins in purple sprouting broccoli
What are the health uses of Broccoli?
Liver function/detoxification (I3C- between 10-50 times more abundant in broccoli sprouts than normal properly)
Immunity (zinc, selenium)
Cancer prevention (DNA protective, hormone deactivation, e.g. oestrogen, can induce apoptosis and inhibit angiogenesis)
What nutrients are in Cabbage?
Vitamin A, B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, Folate, C, K
Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphurus, zinc
Glucosinolates, alpha and beta-carotene, lutein
* Red cabbage - anthocyanins
What are the health uses of Cabbage?
Immune boosting (vit c)
Arthritis (Vit C - collagen synthese in cartilage, anti inflammatory)
Bone health (vit K - calcium depositition in bones)
Digestive health (high fibre)
Supporting gut integrity (glutamine)
Cancer prevention (antioxidants)
what is cabbage juice used for?
Can be used for intestinal permeability and full peptic ulceration
Cabbage juice is high in L-glutamine, an amino acid used by intestinal cells to help maintain the gut barrier.
How are Glucosinolates activated?
By the action of enzymes which are released when the plant is damaged i.e. cut, chopped or chewed
How are glucosinolates lost?
Cooking higher than 140’C for more than a few minutes.
90% are lost when boiling
Steaming creates insignificant losses
how are glucosinolates best eaten?
Lightly steamed or raw
what are glucosinolates?
And what organ can they effect?
Goitrogens
They may interfere with the production of thyroid hormones by disrupting use of iodine
People with what condition should avoid goitrogens?
Those with hypothyroidism may have to reduce cruciferous vegetable intake
Cooking reduces goitrogens (and also other nutritional benefits)
Fermentation does not reduce goitrogens
Names some dark leafy greens
Kale, spinach, bok choy, wintergreens, chard
What are the benefits in dark leafy greens?
Highest % of minerals per calorie
High in chlorophyll (magnesium abundant) - alkalising, blood building, anti-cancer, gut healing, cleansing
High in carotenoids (antioxidants)
Calcium, magnesium
* most are cruciferous (except spinach) so contain glucosinolates
what are the energetics of dark leafy greens?
Cool
Hydrating
Clear heat downwards out of the body
Help build yin and blood
what do you bitter greens do?
Stimulate digestion
Liver detoxification
what are the nutrients in Kale?
Vitamin A, B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, Folate, C, K
Calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium
Protein
Glucosinolates, flavonoids (e.g. quercetin)
What are the health uses of kale?
Anaemia (Iron)
Bone health (calcium)
Eye and skin health (Vit A, Zinc)
Cardiovascular (nourishes heart, regulate LDLs, high antioxidant)
what are the nutrients in Spinach?
Vitamin A, B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, Folate, C, E, K
Calcium, copper, iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese
Beta-carotene, lutein
What are the health uses of spinach?
Blood building (i.e. anaemia)
Immune boosting (vitamin A and C)
Vision (Vit A)
Muscle relaxation/stress management/sleep (magnesium)
Cardiovascular (nourishes heart, regulate LDLs, high antioxidant)
name some salad greens
Lettuce
Rocket
Watercress
Chicory
Endive
Cress
Dandelion
what are the benefits of salad greens?
Vitamins C, K, folate
Minerals
Carotenoids
Fibre
Chlorophyll - alkalising, blood building, anti-cancer, gut healing, cleansing
what are the energetics of salad greens?
Cool
Hydrating
Detoxifying
Bitter greens stimulate digestive juice secretion
why should you eat salad greens seasonally?
Leafy greens grow in the spring and summer - ideal for balancing heat, detoxifying and reducing inflammation
What is the condition dandelion leaves can be used for?
Fluid retention and hypertension - they are a diuretic